This systematic review examined community-based interventions (CBIs) aimed at preventing infectious diseases among the urban poor in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Following strict guidelines, researchers reviewed 18,260 papers and found 20 studies that met their criteria, focusing on various diseases such as tuberculosis, diarrhea, dengue, hepatitis, and COVID-19. … [Read more...] about Effective community-based interventions to prevent and control infectious diseases in urban informal settlements in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review
Infectious/communicable diseases
Point-of-care C-reactive protein measurement by community health workers safely reduces antimicrobial use among children with respiratory illness: results from a stepped wedge cluster-randomized trial in rural Uganda
This study investigated the impact of using C-reaction protein (CRP) measurement by community health workers (CHWs) on antibiotic use for children under 5 with febrile acute respiratory illness (ARI) in rural Uganda. In a randomized trial, CHWs used either the standard Integrated Community Care Management (iCCM) protocol or a protocol incorporating CRP measurement. Results … [Read more...] about Point-of-care C-reactive protein measurement by community health workers safely reduces antimicrobial use among children with respiratory illness: results from a stepped wedge cluster-randomized trial in rural Uganda
Developing a district level supportive supervision framework for community health workers through co-production in South Africa
In an effort to address highly chronic communicable/non communicable diseases and move towards Universal Health Coverage, South Africa relies on community health worker programs. However, CHW programs suffer from limited training and resources, low trust with other primary health care workers and inadequate supervision. This study applied the model of co-production to a … [Read more...] about Developing a district level supportive supervision framework for community health workers through co-production in South Africa
Community-directed distributors—The “foot soldiers” in the fight to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases
Community health workers (CHWs) are critical in the delivery of medicines and other tools for the control of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), prevention of malaria, and other beneficial health interventions. This review highlights the burden of work on CHWs in Sub-saharan Africa in the face of NTDs and COVID-19, along with the inadequate financial resources to strengthen … [Read more...] about Community-directed distributors—The “foot soldiers” in the fight to control and eliminate neglected tropical diseases
The role of governance in implementing sustainable global health interventions: review of health system integration for integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses.
Integrated community case management (iCCM) improves access for hard-to-reach populations by deploying CHWs to address infectious diseases, particularly in countries with the greatest burden of under-5 child mortality. This study addressed the sustainability of iCCM programs and government policies. Through a systematic review, the study determined that countries that adapt … [Read more...] about The role of governance in implementing sustainable global health interventions: review of health system integration for integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses.